Garage Door Opener Remote Web-interface With Esp8266

Watch video in step 4!

I've been looking for a solution to open my automatic garage door for family and trusted friends when im not home, without having to hide a remote outside in the flowerpot. My first thought was to buy a remote keypad, but i just couldn't pay 50USD for something that ugly. Take a look at it and you'll probably feel the same.

So since i bought this nodemcu (esp8266 devboard) that I've been trying out blinking leds and what not, it might as well be put to good use. Fortunately, I got three remotes delivered for my garage door opener, but I only use one on a daily basis, so one of those could be used for this task.

This is a very simple DIY-hack and i belive most beginners will get a good result.

Step 1: Materials

Things you need to make this web-interface remote control. I buy most my electronics from aliexpress, even if shipping takes some time i use it mainly because of the pricing.

1. nodeMCU (or any other ESP8266 board)

2. 5v Relay

3. Remote for your automatic garage door

4. Prototype PCB (Size of your choosing)

5. Dupont wires

6. Micro USB Power Supply

Step 2: Schematics

I tried Fritzing (PCB and schematics-software) for the first time, it's surprisingly easy to use. But it didn't have any remote module to use so i added a button instead to simulate what we're doing. Since we're actually just bypassing the button on the remote that sets of the 433mhz signal.

The garage door remote usually operates with 12v, but gets the job done with 5v as well. Nodemcu is powered by a microUSB 5v and steps it down to 3,3v for the esp8266. By accessing pin VIN we can still get 5v out to supply power to the 5v Relay and the garage door remote.

Step 3: Flashing Your NodeMCU

There are many good tutorials on how to flash your nodeMCU, I recommend this tutorial made by user TheElectromania.

Instructables webeditor couldn't handle the code so please use this link to get the code: http://txt.do/ddu9o

What this code does..

1. Connection to your home WLAN and waits for web-request
2. Upon connection displays a link/button
3. When pushed, sets pin 5 HIGH for 1 second - which makes the relay to open and enables the remote control to transmit it's pre-programmed signal.

Step 4: Final Step

Have it as is or put it in a junctionbox of some kind. I used a regular EU junctionbox for 220v electrical connections.